Tag: Pelargonium sidoides

The Other Herbs I Love

Posted on by Diogenes II

 

Five years ago, I wrote about nine of my most cherished herbs. Now, I will list sixteen more.

 

Bhumi Amalaki: I previously wrote about herbs good for the liver, like kutki, eclipta alba and guduchi. Now I’ll add another ayurvedic herb, Bhumi Amalaki. This herb goes well with kutki, in rejuvenating a dying, fatty liver. In Peru, it’s known as chanca piedra — the stone breaker. If you want to protect your gallbladder from gallstones or surgery, think Bhumi Amalaki. It is also protective of the kidneys — removing excess oxalate crystals. These features will also relieve chronic abdominal pain and painful urination.

Bhumi Amalaki may also be useful for those suffering from diabetes, Hepatitis B, and HIV.

Other names: phyllanthus niruri, Bhumi amla

 

Jiaogulan: an herb originating from Southern China, this is known as the “Immortality herb”. People who drink this herb as a tea, seem to live longer, healthier lives. Containing 82 saponins called gypenosides, it is extremely useless for those with both pre-diabetes and diabetes. May also reduce visceral and subcutaneous fat.

Other names: Gynostemma Pentaphyllum, Southern Ginseng

 

Astragalus: this herb shares certain similarities with Jiaogulan — also sharing anti-aging characteristics, presumably by keeping the telomeres of cells healthy. Astragalus is famously known as a kidney cleanser, reducing protein loss, while increasing excretion of unwanted uric acid. This consequently improves blood pressure and heart function.

 

Andrographis: known as the “King of bitters” for a reason: because it is a very bitter herb. This bitterness helps make everything else sweet: improving arthritic conditions, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Its immune system regulator and strengthening abilities help improve many conditions: asthma, flu, common cold, bronchitis, COPD, COVID, TB, Lyme disease and even malaria. The key is to taking this herb at the onset of these conditions — preferably within 72 hours.

There is also credible evidence that andrographis may show improvement of the hard to treat inflammatory bowel disease Ulcerative colitis.

There is also credible evidence that this herb may show beneficial for certain cancers!

Other names: Andrographis paniculata, Green chiretta, Kalmegh

 

Pau d’arco: from the Amazon rainforest of South America and the inner bark of the tabebuia tree, while improving immune system function, this herb is famous for relieving candida overgrowth in women. Containing compounds known as naphthoquinones, it is known for being anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and maybe even anti-cancer!

Do not consume in high doses!

Other names: Tabebuia avellanedae, Taheebo and Lapacho

 

Neem: like andrographis, an extremely bitter herb from ayurveda. For temporary use only — may dry the body and skin. Not for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as may cause spontaneous abortion. Very antiparasitic, antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic,  antifungal and anti infection. Purifies the blood and may reduce blood sugar.

 

Punarnava: like andrographis, may be good for Ulcerative colitis due to its anti inflammatory properties. May also be helpful for Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Literally meaning “the one that renews”, punarnava has a whole body cleansing effect, including as a diuretic. May also be helpful for weight loss and those with Rheumatoid arthritis.

Other names: Boerhaavia diffusa

 

African Geranium: from South Africa, very antibacterial and antiviral and proven exceptionally effective for upper respiratory tract infections: common cold, laryngitis (voice box), pharyngitis (sore throat), rhinosinusitis (sinuses); and even lower respiratory tract infections: acute bronchitis; tuberculosis.

Other names: Pelargonium sidoides, South African geranium, Umckaloabo (a brand name)

 

Mullein: like African geranium, helps with inflammation and infections of the lungs. As an expectorant, may reduce mucus. Very useful and effective for those suffering from sleep apnea. May also be helpful in treating other inflammation and infections throughout the body, including ear infections.

 

Arjuna: from ayurveda and from the bark of the Terminalia arjuna tree, this herb contains triterpene glycosides that may improve heart function and reduce chest pain. Other compounds have been isolated like arjunetoside, oleanolic and arjunic acids, that may contribute to improvement of the left ventricle of the heart, thus improving blood flow throughout the entire body.

 

Dan shen: like Arjuna, a Chinese (TCM) herb that may improve heart function by reducing excess platelets in the blood. Excess platelets causes congestion in the blood and make blood flow harder. As a consequence of this herb, blood becomes thinner and blood vessels become wider. All of this manifests as reduced chest pain, blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

Other names: Salvia miltiorrhizao, Chinese Red Sage

 

Hawthorn: like Dan shen, hawthorn is good for the heart. Flavonoids like rutin and quercetin may help heart muscle contract better, increasing blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle. This may thus decrease chest pain or irregular heartbeat. May also be a credible option for those suffering from the beginning stages of heart failure.

The most effective part of this herb for improving heart conditions is the flowers. Leafs and berries can also be used but are less effective.

 

Blue Vervain: this is the herb for anxiety, depression and insomnia. Known for its calming effect on the nervous system, the verbenalin, an iridoid glycosides, in blue vervain may increase sleep onset and duration. One side effect may be strange dreams or nightmares.

Blue vervain may also be effective against epilepsy, including the classic tonic-clonic seizures.

Other names: Verbena hastata, American vervain

[Should not be confused with its sister plant, common vervain — the European plant version (aka Verbena officinalis).]

 

Dragon’s Blood: a natural red resin (from tree sap), often used in rituals, extracted from a variety of tropical trees called Dragon trees, primarily, Croton lechleri. Commonly used for digestive issues including internal ulcers. Has antimicrobial properties and can help heal receding gum if used as a mouth rinse. Also used for external ulcers, and other skin wound to accelerate healing. May reduce arthritic pain when used topically.

If used internally, for short term use only — about one week at a time.

Other names: Sangre de Grado

 

Persian Saffron: known as the sunshine spice and the most expensive spice in the world. Effective for anxiety and depression, this spice is known for providing relief of PMS symptoms in women, even by just inhaling the herb. It may also improve sleep quality, reduce cravings, and manage diabetes. May also lubricate sex organs and increase sexual desire.

Pregnant women should not use this spice!

Saffron has many fake competition, so it is important to do research to make sure you’re getting authentic saffron. Look for saffron from Persian or Iranian origin.

Even though saffron may show beneficial in tackling certain degenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and also in certain cancers, it is important to remember that saffron is a spice, and should only be used safely in small amounts, at about 15 mg twice per day.

Other names: Crocus sativus

 

Fenugreek: like saffron, may also increase sexual desire in both sexes, by balancing hormones like estrogen and testosterone. May manage blood sugar and diabetes by slowing sugar absorption in the stomach and stimulating insulin more effectively. Increases milk supply in breastfeeding women. High in iron, excess may cause gastrointestinal issues.

 

Caution should be taken while using herbs with any medication, if pregnant or breastfeeding and two weeks before surgery. Typical side effects — though rare — may include: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach upset, skin rash, anemia, constipation and/or diarrhea.

Tuberculosis (TB): What it is, and what to do about it.

Posted on by Diogenes II

 

Tuberculosis a.k.a. TB is an infectious and potentially fatal disease caused primarily by what science has identified as a bacterium —Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is named so because it is aerobic and creates tubercles in the nodules of the lungs, especially the upper oxygen-rich lobes of said organ. The most common form — pulmonary tuberculosis — is caused by inhaling said bacteria in the air from any source already infected. The bacteria can spread to other parts of the body via the lymphatic system. Historically, tuberculosis was catastrophic before the rise in vaccination, medication and milk pasteurization. There has been a resurgence due to modern issues, such as HIV, organ transplant and diabetes. Here, at BIOinvigoRATE, we will discuss what tuberculosis is and what we should do to prevent and reverse the disease.

There are two notable stages of TB: latent TB and active TB disease. Many people with latent TB show no signs of sickness, and may not infect others, and may not — themselves — even be aware they may be infected with the bacterium! That scenario may go on for decades, or for life. Those with active TB disease however, will show the classical signs: persistent coughs (with blood) that lasts for weeks, night sweats, chest pain, weakness and fatigue, chills, lack of appetite, weight loss and so on. In fact, TB was once called consumption because of its weight loss and wasting away characteristics of those who contracted it.

Tuberculosis is easy to catch as it may be, for some people, hard to avoid. Avoiding those who talk a lot or open their mouths a lot would be a good rule of thumb to abide by in avoiding this disease. Avoiding those that spit, sneeze, shout, sing and speak out loud would be the sure precaution that would prevent infection from this disease. There is another little known form of TB bacteria — Mycobacterium bovis — that is spread by the substance of infected cattle. We must therefore avoid unpasteurized milk and cheese products of which the source of origin is unknown.

When our body is infected with bacteria, the immune system sends its first line of defense — macrophages — large white blood cells that engulf the bacteria. However, TB bacteria works differently than other bacteria and is made up of different complex, waxy surface material than other bacteria, making it difficult for our immune cells to disrupt them. Additionally, TB bacteria will then turn the table by changing the structure and chemistry of these macrophages and using them as a source of energy, resource, duplication and transportation. This is one of the biggest mysteries of active TB bacteria and why it has become so drug resistant!

The big questions that arise from the behavioral pattern of active TB are: How does the TB bacteria know to use our own immune cells for its benefit? Why does the TB bacteria want to use our immune cells for its benefit. And who taught TB bacteria everything it knows to use our immune cells for its benefit? It is from these questions why getting rid of TB infection takes so many months, uses so many medications, involves so many research, costs so much money, and has taken so many lives!

Tuberculosis is notoriously associated with low vitamin D, which then causes many medical practitioners to recommend vitamin D supplements to their patients. But, as an example, a lot of people who get sick during the winter months do not get sick primarily because they have low vitamin D levels — but because their immune system is compromised! Low vitamin D is only an indication of a compromised immune system. Yes, patients may feel better replacing D3 synthetically, but that doesn’t fix the problem.
TB is not a low vitamin D problem. It is an iron toxicity and acidity problem in the lungs and surrounding area, causing bacterial infection/infestation! Taking high doses of D3 supplement will cover the problem — then make it worse!

The vitamin D from the sun is different from the vitamin D3 in supplements. True sunlight — the UV-B rays and others — has a strong impact in healing many diseases, including TB. In contrast, supplementing 20,000 IU of D3  (even with K2-MK7) will make you feel better, while simultaneously making your health worse. While supplemental D3 is increasing your D3 level, it is also DEPLETING your magnesium level, your vitamin A level, your copper level and your zinc level — the very things that are MOST needed with TB infection! If you are infected with the tuberculosis bacteria, then take off your outer clothes and sunbathe in the sun!

Also consider D3 supplements, but from real food source, like lichens; rather than the cholecalciferol made from sheep-wool wax, and that is used in rat poison! Irradiated mushrooms may also be a choice to consider. So would a vitamin D lamp.

There are also many herbs that may show promise in building back up the immune system of someone with TB and in eradicating its bacteria! Pelargonium sidoides, a.k.a. African geranium — my first choice — should be one to seriously consider. Other immune system building herbs are guduchi, andrographis, astragalus, pau d’arco, mullein, elderberry, olive leaf extract and eclipta alba. All of the aforementioned herbs have two things in common: they destroy bacteria and reduce inflammation. They also restore lung vitality. They are also loaded with immune support nutrients. Still other herbs that may be helpful are: rosemary, manjistha, Jamaican sarsaparilla and burdock root. Often, finding the right combination of herbs can do wonders in obliterating TB or any other stubborn disease!